From neuroprosthetics to implanted FES control architecture

In this paper, we deal with complementary aspects of an implanted functional electrical stimulation control architecture: distributed stimulation units, deterministic implanted network, architecture implantation (electronic devices) and control over this network. We argue from analogy with embedded control architecture, of robots for example, from distributed control, closed-loop control, supervisory control and fieldbus considerations. The global embedded FES architecture on which can rely a functional rehabilitation is presented. We give some details on the distributed entities of this architecture as they constitute the interface between the artificial and living ldquoworldsrdquo, and we expose their interconnection through an intrabody network which is similar to an implanted fieldbus.